Nicosia: By building genuine trust, we can pave the way for a positive outcome from the informal broader meeting on Cyprus in July, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, stated on Saturday. She also announced plans to visit Cyprus again before the next informal broader meeting to be convened by the Secretary-General.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Holguin expressed her optimism after meeting with both Cypriot leaders, who showed a willingness to advance concrete initiatives agreed upon in Geneva, considered beneficial for all Cypriots. In her press statement, she emphasized her role in supporting dialogue and fostering cooperation as leaders aim to fulfill commitments outlined in the Geneva meeting outcomes.
Holguin’s return to Cyprus followed an informal meeting in Geneva on March 17-18, 2025, involving Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, Mr. Ersin Tatar, and senior representatives of the Guarantor Powers. During her visit, she engaged in positive discussions with both leaders about feasible initiatives and broader developments on the island, including property issues.
In a trilateral format, Holguin reviewed progress with representatives of the two leaders, Mr. Gnes Onar and Mr. Menelaos Menelaou. She highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue in building trust and expressed her intent to continue engagements to find practical solutions for issues affecting all Cypriots.
Holguin also acknowledged the dedication of the Youth Technical Committee members, viewing their efforts as a hopeful sign for Cyprus’s future. She met with co-chairs of the Environment and Cultural Heritage Technical Committees, praising initiatives like cemetery restoration, which have significant humanitarian impact.
Additionally, Holguin engaged with the presidents of the Chambers of Commerce, recognizing their joint efforts to address common challenges and explore new opportunities for Cypriots. She reiterated her commitment to supporting dialogue and bringing parties closer together in line with the Geneva meeting’s commitments.
Holguin concluded by reaffirming her intention to revisit Cyprus before the next informal broader meeting, as part of her ongoing mission to facilitate progress on the Cyprus issue.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974 after Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have yet to yield results, with the last round in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending without resolution. The upcoming informal meeting in July follows a similar gathering in March, aimed at advancing initiatives like opening crossing points and establishing a Technical Committee on Youth.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres appointed Holguin in early May as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, tasking her with reengaging parties to work on next steps. Holguin previously served in this role from January to July 2024. The European Commission has also designated Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus, working closely with Holguin on the settlement process.